Is driving really that bad?

it is not as bad as you think - you just have to be more careful...thats all...

I would say it is as least as bad as you think -))) - you have to be more than careful.

But if you are a careful driver and always think for the other drivers around you and expect the worst driving behaviour you can get along ok !

Cheers
Ricky

i do have to say though that the Malti method of driving (if there is one) does leave a lot to be desired..but once you understand this then it becomes much easier - in my experience do not let their way of driving influence your own...keep to your own standards and dont let complacency set in. It can be seo easy to start and let your own standards drop.

It is easier once you understand how the Maltese think...

if there is a space at a round about the first one into it has the right of way....

Be careful and think ahead... it really isnt that bad...

Julian

toonarmy9752 wrote:

i do have to say though that the Malti method of driving (if there is one) does leave a lot to be desired..but once you understand this then it becomes much easier - in my experience do not let their way of driving influence your own...keep to your own standards and dont let complacency set in. It can be seo easy to start and let your own standards drop.

Very well said my friend.. and totally agree

1. Never lower your standards or level of driving - The principle of 'When in Rome...' does NOT apply to driving, though it may apply to everything else.  Always drive defensively and let the nutcases pass on and bash themselves to their pleasure.

2. Malta's driving had to improve in the last decade and it's nothing compared to other parts of Europe (Sicily, Greece come to mind from personal experience).. no need to mention other continents as they drive their cars as if they are driving their camels/carts etc etc etc. At least in Malta traffic moves at a snail's pace, owing to those annoying speed cams everywhere - so it's safe enough

SportsMan wrote:

owing to those annoying speed cams everywhere -

There are no speed cameras in Gozo - speeds here are controlled by the potholes instead

georgeingozo wrote:

SportsMan wrote:

owing to those annoying speed cams everywhere -

There are no speed cameras in Gozo - speeds here are controlled by the potholes instead

i must admit to only having seen four speed cams in nearly four years here on the main island....

Hi Summer,

I don't drive, never have, never want to. My husband does but we have chosen not to get a car here.

If you choose your area to live well you don't need to drive. It's generally a lot faster to walk. I've got a young son too. Yes the buses are crappy but they are getting better (not difficult after last year's total cock-up).

It certainly takes a lot of the stress and expense out of living here as long as you can deal with people looking at you as if there's actually something wrong with for not having a car!

Some friends who've learnt to drive here have even said that they do most of the driving for the family now because they've started from the beginning with the bad drivers and have been taught how to cope with it.

Looking on the bright side if you can drive here you can drive anywhere!

There are about 20 speed camera sites

one of the main places is at the entrance and/or exit of tunnels

georgeingozo wrote:

SportsMan wrote:

owing to those annoying speed cams everywhere -

There are no speed cameras in Gozo - speeds here are controlled by the potholes instead

LOL good one George hahah.. but last i've been to Gozo about 2 years ago, I actually thought your roads got better! Maybe I was looking at the island with rose tinted glasses though

Hey! I got my driving license in Malta and it took about 9 months. A lesson here is 13 euros/hour and when you go for a lesson, the driver comes with a student to pick you up and then you drive that student home and finish your lesson at the next students house who will then drive you home.

Driving in Malta is not THAT bad, you just have to be very carefull especially in roundabouts. Here is some useful info on driving in Malta. http://www.malta.com/en/holidays/driving-in-malta